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Beatty Jurist-in-Residence

The William L. Beatty Jurist In Residence allows students to supplement their traditional curriculum with the perspective and experience of the judiciary.

Each year, a distinguished jurist is invited to spend two to three days at the School of Law speaking in a variety of classes related to his/her area of responsibility and meeting with students, faculty, and staff in both formal and informal settings.

The Jurist In Residence is made possible through a cy pres award granted to the Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2004 by U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Illinois, David R. Herndon (Class of 1977) in memory of his mentor, William L. Beatty.

William L. Beatty (1925-2001) was born in Mendota, Illinois. Beatty served in the United States Army from 1943-1946 and graduated from law school in 1950. As an attorney, he had a distinguished career in private practice from 1950 to 1968 when he was elected to the bench of the Third Circuit Court, Madison County, Illinois. He held that position until 1979 when he was nominated by United States President Jimmy Carter to the United States District Court, Southern District of Illinois. He assumed senior status in 1993, a position he held until his death at the age of 76.